Many people feel a drop in mood and energy as fall and winter begin. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that returns each year with the changing seasons and affects millions of people worldwide. Some also refer to it as “Seasonal Depression.”
While conventional treatments are available, many people prefer to seek alternative approaches to manage their symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a holistic and natural approach to addressing SAD, focusing on restoring balance to the body’s energy, or qi.
This guide shows how TCM herbs and lifestyle can support you in managing SAD this winter.
Understanding SAD through a TCM Lens
In TCM, SAD is understood as an imbalance of qi, or life energy, which flows through the body’s meridians. TCM views the body as a holistic system, where physical, emotional, and environmental factors are interconnected. By addressing the root causes of SAD, practitioners can develop effective treatment plans to restore balance and alleviate symptoms.
SAD is often associated with liver qi stagnation, spleen qi deficiency, and kidney yang deficiency. Liver qi stagnation can create emotional tension that shows up as irritability, mood swings, or low mood. Spleen qi deficiency typically appears through poor digestion and persistent fatigue, making sadness feel heavier and harder to shake. Kidney yang deficiency may involve fearfulness, anxiety, fluid retention, and sensitivity to cold, leaving the body depleted and more prone to depressive symptoms.
Once the factors that cause SAD are determined, a practitioner would be able to prescribe solutions.
Acupuncture Treatment for SAD
Many people choose to pursue acupuncture when they begin to feel symptoms of SAD, or even before the cooler seasons begin, if they know they have a history of SAD symptoms. Acupuncture stimulates the flow of qi and balances the body’s energy, affecting neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood. It also activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
Several acupuncture points are commonly used to treat SAD, including Yintang (Third Eye Point), Baihui (Governing Vessel 20), Shenmen (HT 7), and Taichong (Liver 3). A qualified acupuncturist will select points based on the patient’s symptoms and patterns.
By addressing the root causes, blockages and imbalances in qi, of SAD, acupuncture can provide relief from symptoms and improve overall well-being and happiness during the cooler seasons.
Herbal Formulas for SAD
Several herbal formulas can be effective in managing SAD symptoms. Xiao Yao San (Tangkuei & Bupleurum Formula), referred to as Free and Easy Wanderer, relieves liver qi stagnation and can help alleviate stress and mood swings. It is often recommended for anyone who feels irritable and moody during fall and winter.
Yin Xing Ye (Ginkgo Leaf) is an herb that enhances mood, memory, and mental clarity. Anyone who struggles to stay focused with SAD can find it beneficial. It can help alleviate brain fog that makes it difficult to work or study. Ren Shen (Ginseng) has similar effects, with the extra benefit of boosting energy.
Suan Zao Ren Tang (Zizyphus Combination) is another powerful herbal formula that can be helpful during the cooler seasons. It can alleviate insomnia and anxiety, both of which are common symptoms of SAD.
Be sure to discuss your symptoms with a qualified TCM practitioner before choosing your herbal formulas. They can help you find the right formula for your symptoms so you can feel relief.
Lifestyle Modifications and Habits
In addition to TCM herbal formulas and acupuncture, several lifestyle modifications can help manage SAD symptoms. These are things that are easy to incorporate without any extra tools or effort.
Regular exercise, such as walking or yoga, can boost mood and energy. Gentle exercises like Qigong and Tai Chi, especially done outside in the sun, can help boost endorphins. Being outside for your exercises boosts vitamin D. The days may be shorter, so try to squeeze in your exercises earlier.
Social engagement, like connecting with friends and family, can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation. This is one of the great benefits of the holidays this time of year; Try to resist the impulse to stay home alone.
Ensure you eat plenty of healthy and nourishing foods and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and tea. Focus on warming foods like soups, stews, sweet potatoes, and anything flavored with cinnamon and ginger. Fermented foods can also help support your gut health and alleviate certain mood problems, or try a fatty fish to support your brain health.
Simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference this time of year.
Stay Happy and Healthy This Season with TCM
Seasonal affective disorder requires a holistic approach. Traditional Chinese medicine focuses on restoring balance to the body’s qi. By incorporating the TCM perspective, you can find relief from SAD symptoms and cultivate a more vibrant life, even during the winter months.
At KPC, we aim to keep our clients and customers happy and healthy throughout all four seasons. View our catalog of top-quality TCM herbal formulas today.
*Please note: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This article is not intended to suggest specific treatments for patients or that any supplements mentioned prevent or cure diseases or problems. Before taking any herbs, all patients should discuss their options with a licensed practitioner, including any other medications they are currently taking, as there may be contraindications between pharmaceuticals and herbs.
